Formula one noob.... need tips

[KitKat]

Hi,
Am going to my first formula one event. Just wanted to tap on the collective wisdom and experience here.
I understand that it will get quite noisy...
What sort of ear/hearing protection should I use?
Ear plugs vs Ear Muffs
Also any other tips to enjoy the day would be appreciated.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Any merchandise you want, buy it as early as you can, it will sell out. Be wary though, it is sometimes previous seasons merchandise (clothing). Looking at the sponsors on the clothing is an easy way to tell if it is current or not.

Take a radio with some good earphones, given the lack of Fanvision/KangarooTV this is the only way to keep track of things effectively. The loudspeakers at the track are inadequate against the sound of engines. Ear protection is very much personal preference. It is very loud, but the sound is incredible. In my experience, I have used canalphones to great effect. They block out some noise and I can also hear the commentary most of the time.

With regards to facilities, they will get busier around the start and end to sessions, especially on race day. Don't go to the toilet or buy a beer just before the race, you might miss the start! If you need to, go after a few laps while people are still actively watching the race.

 

[amaroo]

I've only been to 7 - in three countries. Worked (short period) for a bloke that loved to hold meetings that clashed with F1 events.

IMHO prepare for the following :-

Be bored beyond belief
Having your hands over your ears, every couple of minutes.....obviously ear plugs help
Looking at the big TV screen - the only way you'll see the race
Surrounded by people who have the same level of boredom as you.......as they have also been forced/invited to attend
Endless walks around the place to relieve the boredom
Old men with lovely young things on their arms
Wankers dressed in branded label gear
Lovely looking girls

Enjoy

 

[mkentwell]

Went first time last year with my son, had a ball on the three days before the race and was bored stupid on race day, so suggest get most out of the prelim stuff, then find a nice pub on race day with a big telly and listen to the commentary. Loved the noise! Also love the food in Melbourne!

 

[SeatBackForward]

Ive been to the Melbourne F1 three times, the first two were in General Admission - got to wander around the track and view from several different positions. The last time was in the grandstand on the main straight. The cars went past too fast, and after paying so much for the seat, I felt obliged to sit in it for the two days I had paid for.

So my advice is, unless you can get a seat that has views down the track, as opposed to perpendicular to it, enjoy the General admission freedom!
Oh and regarding the merchandise, you can often find the same gear in shops around the CBD days after the event for less than 50% what they charge at the track..

One final warning..you will be forced to drink FOSTERS! as they are the sponsors.

 

[Pushka]

Before Victoria pinched the GP from South Australia the track was right next to work. We had to close those days because it was so noisy we couldn't hear the phones. Actually, I'm glad they stole it.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Definitely get some silicone ear plugs which looks like opaque plasticine. I'd probably wear some kind of ear muffs as well as the noise from the F1 cars is so loud your ears will hurt.

 

[moa999]

Also disappointed about FanVision going this year.

The ~$30 F1 Timing App is a brilliant asset when watching the F1 at home.... unsure how well it would work when running on 3G at a packed environment.
(available for pretty much all devices, even Blackberry)

 

[stewiejp]

The F1 Live Stream (Android, not sure if it's on Apple as well) App which was free, works well for me - live timings for practice, quali and race works seamlessly. Very handy, especially for quali when things are changing quicker than the TV commentators can keep up with towards the end of the sessions.

 

[Deewhy]

Suggest you take a radio with ear buds, and pop a set of ear muffs over them. Agree it could be boring if you sit through the whole day and aren't in to the support acts and races. I just go in for quali and the race nowadays and spend time in Melbourne before hand. Good that it's on at 5pm now. But I'd suggest a look around the track if you've never been. But If you are general admission, find a good spot early and don't move!

 

[serfty]

...

One final warning..you will be forced to drink FOSTERS! as they are the sponsors.

I believe "Tooheys" have the contract these days.

 

[Sequel]

I have been to quite a few, but always working (in the support categories), I would suggest:

• Comfy shoes, as you will want to do a lot of walking to stop getting bored;
• A good set of ear plugs (I prefer rubber ones with band rather than the cheap disposable foam ones) as you will be taking them in and out quite often. Alternatively lots of pairs of cheap foam ones. If you dont mind carrying them around then ear muffs might be more comfortable;
• A small umbrella, I dont think I have been to one yet where it hasn't rained for at least a short shower and the little bits of shelter there are get full very quickly.
• Walk around and see the track from different areas, and make sure you see at least one F1 session at a braking point at track level, they are amazing!

 

[horseman]

I've done a fair few, all in melbourne, my suggestion would be,
Wear comfy shoes, you'll be walking lots.
Forget the earplugs / muffs, they only block out the noise.
Wear a hat.
Walk a couple of laps well before the race to find the best place to view from, somewhere with elevated views of as much track as possible, preferably including views of a corner (that's where the crashes happen) and with one of the big screen tv's so you can see whats going on the rest of the time.
Drink plenty of water.
Drink plenty of beer.
Have your accommodation reasonably nearby, walking distance is ideal.

 

[SeatBackForward]

I believe "Tooheys" have the contract these days.

M'eh....they'd be better off running a hose from the F1 Pits to get a more decent alcoholic drink.

 

[SeatBackForward]

• Walk around and see the track from different areas, and make sure you see at least one F1 session at a braking point at track level, they are amazing!

Ascari is great for that, watching the red glow of the brakes, and it doesn't get too crowded aroud there so you can usually get a good vantage point

 

[Grooba]

The F1 Live Stream (Android, not sure if it's on Apple as well) App which was free, works well for me - live timings for practice, quali and race works seamlessly. Very handy, especially for quali when things are changing quicker than the TV commentators can keep up with towards the end of the sessions.

+1.

I use this when watchign the race from home/hotel room. As stewiejp says, the app is perfect for keeping up with fastest sectors/lap times/pit entry and exit/etc as the commentators can't keep up with all the dynamic info.

 

[serfty]

... as the commentators can't keep up with all the dynamic info.

... or choose not to relay all the information ... especially (for the English commentary) if it's not about a British driver ...

 

[chrisb]

Forget the earplugs / muffs, they only block out the noise.

Take some, even if they're just cheap disposable ones. Sure the noise is part of the fun but it may get annoying after a while. They're very cheap and easy to carry so why not.

I like the idea of the radio. I didn't do that and fairly much had no clue what was going on.

 

[Must...Fly!]

... or choose not to relay all the information ... especially (for the English commentary) if it's not about a British driver ...

Definitely a big problem for those races taking place in parts of the world where english is not the first language...commentary duties are shared between 2 or 3 different commentators in different languages. I can only imagine how annoying that will become this year with no FanVision units available to listen to BBC/Sky audio.

I suspect it would be wise for me to invest in the $35 live timing app on my phone for the next 2 weeks. Pricey and not even close to the functionality that FanVision offered, but it is better than nothing or trying to figure out what's going on by looking at a faraway video wall!

I downloaded the free android app this morning however it was not working...whether it was a problem with F1.com or the site, I am not sure.

 

[Pushka]

F1 races are more than just noisy. They are actually painful if you are close to the track. Not a gentle roar at all, more like high pitch screaming.